Patricia Ann Herling

Patricia Ann Horn (Patty) was born on March 9, 1939, in Washington, DC. She was the first
child of Byrne Francis Horn and Mabel Edith Blagdon, both of Nebraska. When Patty was very
small, they left DC, living in Nebraska, Arizona and Colorado. Patty gained her little sister, Carol,
in 1945. The family eventually ended up settling in Colorado, where Patty enjoyed a childhood
surrounded by cousins and friends. Patty's parents owned a series of restaurants, where she
spent many hours as a child. Patty especially enjoyed spending her summers with her Grandma
Horn, in the small town of Arnold, Nebraska. She treasured those times with her grandmother
and cousins who lived nearby.
When Patty was approximately fifteen years old, she experienced a traumatic event that
became a defining moment in her life. While babysitting a newborn baby, the baby passed away
of natural causes (through no fault of Patty's). The baby's parents expressed kindness and
concern about Patty, and the lasting effect the experience might have on her. So they invited her
to attend church with them at Beth Eden Baptist Church. And she did. As a result of their
invitation, Patty came to know the Lord as her Savior, and became a lifelong member of Beth
Eden Baptist Church. Her church, and the fellowship with her church family, became the central
focus of her life.
While Patty was a teenager, her parents opened a spudnut shop (fluffy donuts made from potato flour.) The shop was located across the street from Wheat Ridge High School, and was a
popular destination for students and teachers. Patty spent the early hours of her morning
frosting spudnuts before heading off to high school. She graduated from Wheat Ridge High
School in 1958, then went to work for Blue Cross & Blue Shield. She was proud of her job at
Blue Cross, and would often reminisce about driving downtown to work there.
Around 1959, Patty served as "Social Chairman" for her young adults group at Beth Eden. One
day, she was busy decorating for a banquet at church, when a handsome guy walked in. That's
how she met Eddie Herling, who had just returned home after serving in the Navy in the South
Pacific. Patty had been involved in sending tape recordings of church services to Eddie in the
Navy, but they'd never met before. Shortly thereafter, Eddie broke up with his girlfriend, and
began dating Patty. From then on, she was the only girl for him. Eddie was the answer to Patty's
prayers. They were married on June 17, 1960 at Beth Eden Baptist Church. Patty wore a
beautiful lace and satin gown hand sewn by her mother, and her bridesmaids carried daisies
and wore dresses in rainbow pastel colors. Patty's 14-year old sister, Carol, was the maid of
honor. In the ceremony conducted by Dr. Sam Bradford, the couple said their vows, and Patty
Horn became Mrs. Ed Herling. Eddie and Patty moved into a little upstairs apartment near the
old Elitch's Amusement Park, and so began their 64 years of togetherness.
In 1963, Patty quit her job at Blue Cross, as she and Eddie welcomed their first child, Marlys. In
1964 they welcomed their son, Edward Blake, followed by their son, Carter, in 1972. Patty
poured her heart into being a homemaker, loving wife, and mother. In 1968, Eddy and Patty had
a home built in Arvada, and the family would drive over on Sundays after church to watch its
progress. It was their dream home and became the center of many happy times. By the
mid-1970's, the family had outgrown that house, and moved to a bigger home located on Ward
Rd., just a few houses down from Patty's own parents. Not long after that, Patty's mom was
diagnosed with breast cancer. For two difficult years, Patty diligently cared for her mother, while
maintaining both households. Sadly, Patty and Carol's mother passed away in 1977.
Patty enjoyed cooking, crafts, making ceramics, attending women's activities at church, and
going to Family Camp at Camp Eden. Together, Patty and Eddie also mentored and led church
youth groups, and Patty taught Sunday School. At home, Patty coordinated birthday parties for
her children, baked cakes and organized party games. Patty was fashionable, and wore the
perfect outfit and accessories for every occasion. She enjoyed decorating their home. She and
Eddie also had fun participating in a bowling league. Though she was left-handed, Patty bowled
right-handed, and her impressive bowling skills earned prizes for her high scores. Patty and
Eddie's favorite pastime was camping in the Colorado Mountains, where Patty cooked meals in
the tiny kitchen of their Mitchell camper, and many memories were made. The family also
traveled to other places, including trips to Mexico, California and South Dakota. Patty kept a
special place in her heart for her parents' home state of Nebraska. Over the years, Patty, Eddie
and the kids took many trips to spend time on the farm with Patty's aunt, uncle and cousins.
Even in the last week of her life, Patty still longed for Nebraska, as she recalled fond memories
there.
In 1993, Carol purchased a Hallmark store in Arvada, and Patty was blessed to be a part of that
adventure. Patty worked there part-time for almost ten years, and blossomed in her
responsibilities at the Hallmark store. Patty joined Carol on trips and conventions in exciting
places across the US, and the two shared wonderful times together. In 1994, with their children
grown, Patty and Eddie downsized, moving into a new home on Routt St. in Arvada. Five years
later, Eddie retired from the Post Office. He and Patty had plans to travel in their fifth-wheel
trailer. However, physical limitations kept them closer to home. So they focused on their family,
and their ten grandkids kept them busy! Patty and Eddie stayed involved in everyone's
day-to-day activities, and kept friends and family in their prayers. Patty particularly enjoyed
sending handwritten notes and cards to people, which was one of her sweetest ministries. Life
gradually became more difficult for Patty and Eddie, but they soldiered through their challenges.
Then Eddie was called home to be with the Lord in June of 2024. While grieving his loss, Patty
experienced a continuing decline in her own health and wellbeing. Her friends, family and
neighbors graciously came beside her to offer Patty heartfelt help, love, compassion and
prayers in the midst of her trials. Hospice staff and caregivers noted that even on her bad days,
Patty's sense of humor kept them laughing. On the evening of January 4, 2025, the Lord
welcomed Patty home to Heaven. She is now free from the struggles and sorrows of this life,
and is rejoicing with her Savior. She will be dearly missed, but has reunited with her loving
husband and other loved ones who have gone before. Patty leaves behind her children, Marlys
(Paul Underwood) of East Prairie, MO, Edward Blake Herling (Crystell) of Lakewood, CO, and
Carter Herling (Brandi) of Coal Creek Canyon/Golden, CO; Grandchildren, Samantha Herling,
Chloe (Gage Mortimer), Maggie (Jacob Schmitz), Whitney (Zach Stearns), Kalie (Alyx Collins),
Edward Christian Herling, Kara Herling, Lindsay Underwood, Corey Herling (Karissa) and
Emma Herling, Great-grandchildren; Titus, Eden and Silas Stearns, Kaia and Arya Collins,
Theodore Vasquez and Adaline Schmitz. In addition, Patty leaves behind her sister Carol
Perdomo, niece Sasha (Walter Fortson), nephew Byrne Andre Perdomo, and their families.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the beautiful ministry at Camp Eden. (To do so, go to https://www.campeden.org/give.html choose "one time gift", and choose "memorial gift" from the fund drop down. The family of Patty Herling thanks you for your kind gift to her favorite cause.)